Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Located in the very northwest corner of California, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a great place to get up close to a giant Redwood.

The trail is a few miles off of Highway 101. The road off the highway to the trailhead is an uphill climb all the way. Once you go under the wooden bridge that marks the beginning of the trail you know you are there.

The trailhead has a parking lit, washrooms and signage. Also near the beginning of the trail is a box with pamphlets that explain the marker posts on the trail. It was empty when I was there. I guess I should have checked to see if these are available online.

The trail is a 1.2 mile loop. It is fairly flat, with a few uphills but all slopes are very gradual. The trail is dirt though, and it really is not very accessible to the disabled.

The grove itself is very remarkable. The redwoods tower over you. As you look up to gauge their height you may find yourself getting dizzy from the experience.

It is quiet in the forest. There were a few other people on the trail, but mostly there was solitude. I did hear the rustle of small wildlife in the bushes from time to time. At one point in the trail a bright blue Steller’s Jay came wildly flapping out of the bush I front of me. It was like I disturbed his afternoon solace.

Throughout the trail I kept thinking that this would be a great place to see a Sasquatch, but even with my hopeful thinking none appeared.

At one point in the hike you will come across a dedication plaque that was originally placed by Lady Bird Johnson when the trail was opened.

There are benches at various points along the way, so if you want to sit down and enjoy the forest, you can do that as well.

I highly recommend this hike if you are in the area. It won’t take you long, the rewards are great.

Photo Gallery

The giant redwoods reach up for the sunny sky

A plaque marks the commemoration of the trail

Ferns fill the forest floor in many places

A hollow trunk on a standing redwood is remarkable

A Stellars Jay entertained me while I walked on the bottom part of the trail